FAQs
Choosing the right school for your child can be challenging. Some parents recognise immediately that Blue Gum is the right fit for their child, others require more time and inquiry.
Below are answers to some of the more commonly asked questions, please see these as a starting point as you consider Blue Gum as a place for your child. Don’t hesitate to contact us if the below information doesn’t address a question you may have.
Why choose Blue Gum for my child?
Discerning parents often choose Blue Gum because of our non-competitive, community approach and because we very intentionally embrace and celebrate children’s different learning styles and interests, not preferring one style of learning over another.
Children with a passion for the arts, who may find it difficult to adjust to environments that give greater priority to more linear ways of thinking, often feel celebrated at Blue Gum, able to learn and express themselves in ways that recognise their particular perspectives and skills.
We keep our classes small and our teacher ratios high to enable teachers to work with children in a very personalised way, ensuring no one falls through the cracks.
We believe school should be a place full of joy, engagement, thinking, and learning with others. Education should never be a solo walk up a mountain. Our community will suit your family if you share our belief that schools should be places where curiosity, passion for learning, love for experimentation and a drive to question how the world works are a part of every day!
Blue Gum is a place where children know they matter in community and where the value of the group is matched by our valuing of each individual.
Blue Gum - The details
Are you a Preschool or a Primary School?
Both! Blue Gum Community School co-locates a Preschool and Primary School in Hornby. Our number of children grows each year as we grow. Our Preschool opened in 2022 and then our Primary School opened the following year, in 2023. The Primary School is growing with our students, with a year added in each year that we are open. In 2025, we will have students in Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2. We will reach our goal of Primary School for students in Kindergarten to Year 6 in 2029.
Will I be able to claim the Child Care Subsidy?
The Preschool and BGOSH (Blue Gum Out of School Hours) make up our licensed early childhood services. Eligible families will be able to register to receive the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) provided by the Australian Government.
Is the Preschool registered with the Start Strong Fee Relief Program?
Yes, we are registered for the NSW Government’s Start Strong Fee Relief as a NSW Long Day Care Setting. Eligible families will be able to register for this Fee relief with us, on top of any Child Care Subsidy they are already eligible for. Please note we do not fall under the Government category of “Community Preschools” despite carrying the word ‘Community’ in our name.
How old does my child need to be to start Kindergarten at Blue Gum?
Children must turn five by 30 April in the year they start school, to be eligible for a Kindergarten place at Blue Gum in that same year.
We have chosen a different cut off for enrolment from the NSW Government School standard, believing strongly that there is no need to rush children through the schooling process. A great deal of research highlights the value of children entering formal school at an older age.
But my child needs more, are you sure they aren’t eligible to start Kindy?
Yes we are sure, but take heart, our 5 day preschool option is an ideal transition for children who have completed two years of preschool but are not quite old enough for our Kindergarten class. Give us a call on 9138 2019 if you are interested in finding out more about why an additional year in our Preschool might be just the ‘in-between’ year you’ve been looking for, full of challenges and rich learning opportunities for every child.
Do you offer Out of School Hours Care?
Yes, it is called BGOSH and is available for all primary children, with priority to be given to children currently enrolled at Blue Gum. After School Care is offered between 3 and 6pm each day (3-5pm on Wednesdays). Our School Holiday Program is run every term break, by Blue Gum educators. Eligible families can apply for Child Care Subsidy for BGOSH.
For all Preschool children who would benefit from, or need to attend for a longer day, we ask you enrol your child in our full day program. This offers you the greatest flexibility with start and finish times, between 8am and 6pm. Our expectation is that all children arrive to begin their day by no later than 9am and leave no earlier than 3pm. We close at 5pm on Wednesdays to allow our staff to meet together weekly around all things teaching and learning!
Do you need to live in the Hornsby area to enrol at Blue Gum?
No, there is no specified catchment area for the school’s enrolment.
What hours will Blue Gum be open?
DURING TERMS
Preschool (3-5 year olds)
Monday to Friday
Short day program 9am to 3pm
Full day program 8am - 6pm (8am to 5pm Wednesdays only)
3-day (Mon-Wed), 2-day (Thurs-Fri) and 5 day places
Primary School (5-8 year olds)
Monday to Friday
9am to 3pm (arrival from 8:30am)
After School Care 3pm to 6pm (3pm to 5pm Wednesdays only)
IN SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Combined Preschool and Primary School Holiday Program - 9am to 3pm or 8am to 6pm (opt in or out); (8am to 5pm Wednesdays only)
What are the 2025 Term dates?
January School Holiday Program - Monday 13 January - Friday 24 January 2025
Student-Free Week (Educator Professional Learning) - Tuesday 28 January - Friday 31 January 2025
Term 1 - Monday 3 February to Friday 11 April 2025
Whole Staff Professional Learning - Wednesday 12 March (School and Preschool close at 3pm)
April School Holiday Program - Monday 14 April - Thursday 24 April 2025 (excluding Public Holidays)
Term 2 - Monday 28 April to Friday 4 July 2025
Whole Staff Professional Learning - Wednesday 28 May (School and Preschool close at 3pm)
July School Holiday Program - Monday 7 July - Friday 18 July 2025
Term 3 - Monday 21 July to Friday 26 September 2025
Whole Staff Professional Learning - Wednesday 20 August (School and Preschool close at 3pm)
October School Holiday Program - Monday 29 September - Friday 10 October 2025 (excluding Public Holiday)
Term 4 - Monday 13 October to Thursday 11 December 2025
Whole Staff Professional Learning - Wednesday 12 November (School and Preschool close at 3pm)
Final day for Preschool and Primary Students in 2025 will be Thursday 11 December
What are Blue Gum Hornsby’s Fees?
To receive a copy of our current Fees Schedule, please email us by clicking here.
Is my child required to wear a uniform?
Blue Gum Community School does not have a school uniform.
Will there be a canteen?
No, there will be no canteen at the school. Children in the preschool need to bring their lunch daily, morning tea is provided by the school. The primary school students will need to bring their own lunch, crunch and sip and morning tea each day. Children from both our preschool and primary school, who are a part of our program from 3:30 to 6pm, will also be provided with afternoon tea by Blue Gum. All children are asked to bring water as their drink each day, in a clearly marked drink bottle.
What is the story behind the ‘Mount Errington’ name?
In 1897 the residence at 1 Rosemead Road, sitting proudly at one of the highest points in Hornsby, was built for the Roberts family. Mount Errington is one of the original homes of Hornsby and the surrounding Heritage Precinct on the west side of Hornsby derives its naming from the original estate.
The original features of the home, largely intact from its original build, were a major drawcard influencing the school’s decision to purchase the property. The house in its current design presented an ideal layout for a small school. The outdoor areas, surrounded by so many mature trees and established gardens, provided a natural space unmatched in the area. The history of the house, gardens and surrounding area captured our hearts from day one.
We see ourselves as the custodians of this magnificent place. Restorative works have been an important part of the construction phase, as we adapt Mount Errington into a School and these protective works will continue for years to come as we celebrate the beauty of the house’s architecture, the wonders of its stories over time, and the delights of its magnificent gardens.
It is our great joy each day to open the gates of this historic home to the community and children of the Hornsby Shire.
Go to the Project Updates page for more information about the building project that adapted Mount Errington from a private residence into a not-for-profit community school.
Our location
On the west side of Hornsby, the school’s building and gardens are a rich reminder of another era in Australian history. Mount Errington has been re-imagined as an early childhood school, filled with invitational gardens and stunning indoor spaces. It is a place full of delights and beauty. A place rich with possibilities.
Walking
For families who choose to walk to school from home or from Hornsby train station, we are an easy 800m walk from Hornsby station, via William or Dural Street.
Cycling
Cycling is another option for families. There is a bike rack at the school where children can safely leave their bicycles for the school day.
Driving
If traveling to the school by car, please approach the school from Dural Street, ensuring you are able to enter the school by turning left into the driveway. All vehicles are required to exit the school by turning left out of our circular drive onto Rosemead Road towards William Street.
The circular driveway will be in operation for parents of primary school children, to drop off each morning between 8:30am to 9am and pick up each afternoon from 3:00 to 3:30pm. A teacher will be on duty at these times to assist children in and out of cars, so that you don’t need to find a carpark!
Suggested Vehicle Approach Routes to School
Preschool Parking
To enable easy signing in and signing out of preschool, a small number of short-term parking spaces are available on the school grounds.
